But a Russian journalist – Yevgenia Albets, editor-in-chief and CEO of the liberal, independent New Times – is staying. She told CNN’s chief media correspondent Brian Stelter on reliable sources on Sunday that she was “not afraid” of the Kremlin’s action.
“I’m not a martyr. But I think someone has to do it,” Albats said, noting that 160 of the “best journalists” have left Russia.
Albats also posts on his YouTube channel, which Stelter said could go against the new “fake news” law and put him behind bars. He is a seasoned journalist, but says he has to do his reporting carefully these days to avoid jail.
But Albates said she was “too late” to be afraid – she has already made her views public in books, articles and magazines and is a well-known critic of the government.
“They can kill me,” said Alberts. “No one promised me that I was going to live forever.”
More than fearing for her life, Albats said she was ashamed of her country, especially since she grew up and frequently visits neighboring Ukraine. This is a sentiment shared with many intellectuals in Russia, she said.
“I’m ashamed that my taxes go to the bombs that kill people in Ukraine,” Albats said. “… I want to get on my knees and say that I am very sorry. I am very sorry that my country is doing this to you guys.”
— CNN’s Clarissa Ward, Mick Craver, Brian Stelter and Lauren Kent contributed to this story.